Levels of family involvement in patient visits by family medicine faculty
Schilling, R.; Stygar, K.
Family Medicine 26(10): 651-655
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0742-3225 PMID: 7859959 Document Number: 430110
This study investigates levels of family involvement (LFI) in patient visits by family medicine faculty, extends validity testing of the LFI model, and provides data for comparison with a previous study of LFI in patient visits by family practice residents. Twenty visits were taped for each of five physician faculty and were rated according to whether family involvement was indicated and if it occurred. Of the 100 visits, 47 showed minimal or no family involvement. Of the 29 visits when faculty provided medical information and advice to a family, 66% involved children. Family issues were discussed in only 18% of visits if only adult patients were considered. Overall, however, family involvement occurred in 80% of the visits in which it was indicated. The results of this study, which involved faculty, showed slightly higher family involvement levels than found for residents in a previous study, but the difference was not statistically significant. The similarity between faculty LFI in this study and LFI exhibited by residents in a previous study may mean that both groups are currently exhibiting appropriate LFI. However, the unexpected findings may be a function of the research tools' inadequate sensitivity. Methodology changes are recommended to increase sensitivity in measuring family orientation, particularly for individual adult patients.